News & Updates

Carrollton Receives Additional State Transparency Awards

Post Date:08/29/2016 4:06 PM

The City of Carrollton continues to be recognized for its dedication to open government as it has earned an Economic Development Transparency Star—the first entity to do so—from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts under the new Transparency Stars program.

Additionally, Carrollton has earned a Transparency Star in the Debt Obligations category as well. Both accolades were awarded on Friday, August 26. The Transparency Stars program recognizes cities, counties, and school districts that provide easy online access to important financial data.

“Ongoing collaboration between the office of Economic Development and the Finance department provides the City the opportunity to share with the public this high level of meaningful data related to Carrollton’s economic initiatives,” said Economic Development Manager Andrea Roy. “This online effort provides clear and concise information located in one place. It’s not only a prime example of the City’s commitment to transparency, but fiscal responsibility as well.”

The Economic Development Transparency Star is awarded to those entities whose websites inform taxpayers about programs and incentives supported by their tax dollars that are designed to attract industry and investment, create jobs, and otherwise grow the economy.

"I want to congratulate Carrollton for this achievement, and for its ongoing efforts to make its economic development efforts more transparent for taxpayers," Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar said. "By embracing this effort and becoming the first local entity to be recognized with our Economic Development Star, Carrollton has taken an important step toward improving access to essential information.”

The City works hard to remain accountable to the public on how spending and budgetary issues are handled. The City’s website is equipped with the latest fiscal year’s budget, check register, comprehensive annual financial report, unclaimed funds and property, and debt information. In addition, there are up to seven years of past annual budgets available. The financial reports provided on the City’s website give taxpayers a transparent look at where their money goes.

“This award represents Carrollton’s commitment to be financially transparent in all aspects of our operation and across all departments within the City,” said Assistant City Manager for Finances Bob Scott.

In March, Carrollton was honored as the first ever recipient of the Transparency Star for Traditional Finances. To date, Carrollton has earned three of the five Transparency Stars.